Sartorial Sushi
An omakase jewel in the Funk Zone
An omakase jewel in the Funk Zone
At Silvers Omakase, rice is a big deal—they’re the only ones outside Japan to serve it. It makes an appearance throughout the dining experience, which can feature up to 15 courses.
Written by Gabe Saglie
Photographs courtesy of Silvers Omakase
Lee earned a Michelin star at age 27
The menu at SILVERS OMAKASE is a snapshot of what’s available: It has changed more than 30 times since the buzzy Funk Zone eatery opened its doors in February. “We’re going to feed you a fantastic meal, period,” says chef and owner Lennon Silvers Lee, who earned a Michelin star at age 27 while working at his brother Phillip’s Montecito hot spot, Sushi|Bar. Lennon isn’t shy about his aspirations to make his restaurant a premium gastronomic destination that embraces the Japanese tradition of omakase, in which diners give the chef free rein over what’s served. “Guests come in, and they put their trust into us,” he says.
The restaurant exudes minimalistic elegance, with seating for just 10. The dinner experience is offered in 13 to 15 courses, each presented with flair. Lee’s team is small by design—six total, including sushi chefs, a sommelier, and a maître d’—all handpicked. “One team, one dream,” he says. “No swing shift, no prep cooks, no night staff. If we get sick, we close down the restaurant.”
There’s a laser focus on the provenance of proteins—mainly fish—and especially the origin of the rice. After all, “in true Japanese cuisine, rice is 90 percent of the menu,” says the chef. “What differentiates good sushi from bad is the rice, not the fish on top.” Silvers Omakase is the only place outside Japan that serves rice from the Doyuuno farm in Japan’s Toyama prefecture, which is grown organically, in mineral-rich soils and along mountainsides at higher elevations. It arrives daily as brown rice, then is polished to Lee’s size and flavor specifications. The result is a rice “with a bigger mouthfeel,” he says. “You almost taste every grain individually.”
A penchant for the exclusive extends to the glassware. All the sake, beer, and water glasses, and all the carafes, are crafted by Kagami, Japan’s first crystal house and, many assert, its finest. “Each glass is handmade by a master craftsman,” Lee says. Silvers Omakase doesn’t have a full liquor license because “distillates don’t really go well with this type of food.” Libations include “an ever-changing list” of top-tier wine and vintage Champagne brands (think a 2003 Dom Perignon at $1,500), as well as six Japanese beers and a lucrative lineup of sake. This could be the rarest sake list in the state, in fact, and maybe the most hedonistic, with some labels that require “the right relationships” to procure, and many that “you simply can’t get on your own.”
The omakase options include wine, standard sake, and rare sake pairings; there’s a nonalcoholic choice too. Silvers Omakase is open five nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday, and by reservation only. 224 Helena St., Santa Barbara, silversomakase.com
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¡Viva la!
Marking a century of civic celebrations, this year’s Fiesta opens with an evening of music and dance…
Marking a century of civic celebrations, this year’s Fiesta opens with an evening of music and dance at the Old Mission and continues with the oldest equestrian parade in the country, a children’s parade, performances, and confetti-lined streets. sbfiesta.org
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Pitch Perfect
International quartet Il Devo features a local resident
International quartet Il Devo features a local resident
From left: David Miller, Sébastien Izambard, Urs Bühler, and Steven LaBrie.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photograph by Natalie Schiller
“I think it would be the perfect venue ... It’s my community, my hometown”
“I love Santa Barbara,” says Sébastien Izambard, who hails from France. “It’s the most beautiful place in the world.” He should know, having toured the world as an original member of Il Divo, the multinational classical crossover group composed of fellow “operatic heartthrobs” Urs Bühler (Switzerland), David Miller (United States), and Steven LaBrie (United States). After selling more than 30 million albums worldwide, Il Divo recently released its tenth album, XX (named in honor of the group’s 20-year anniversary), which features songs in English, Spanish, and Italian.
In addition to providing impressive vocals, Izambard is a seasoned composer and record producer. He moved to Santa Barbara four years ago and prefers to spend his off-tour days taking long beach walks. No doubt his beach attire contrasts sharply with his tour uniform; Il Divo favors sharply tailored suits from Giorgio Armani (although Izambard has been known to don edgier designs by Vivienne Westwood). “It’s important to be dressed accordingly to our music,” he explains in a charming Gallic accent. “We sing pop songs in a pop operatic way. It doesn’t feel appropriate for us to turn up in jeans. It’s a date with our audience.”
Despite its global renown, Il Divo has never performed at the Santa Barbara Bowl, and Izambard yearns to appear there. “I think it would be the perfect venue,” he says. “It’s my community, my hometown.”
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Sun Worshipper
Like most California photographers, Blue Gabor has spent considerable time in the sun, taxing her skin for the sake of art.
Creature Soleil founder Blue Gabor
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photographs by Blue Gabor
Like most California photographers, Blue Gabor has spent considerable time in the sun, taxing her skin for the sake of art. But unlike most shutterbugs, she cultivated a skin-care line to counteract the sun’s damage. Calling on her background in herbalism, time in New York in the beauty industry, and culinary training in France, Gabor created CREATURE SOLEIL for fellow sun worshippers.
“This is something I felt my skin needed and wants to drink it up, sometimes more than a lotion or an oil,” says Gabor, who calls herself a product junkie. After trying internal vitamins, she became curious about delivering the same effect to the skin, spending two years mixing different combinations of ingredients to target building the skin’s natural glutathione and natural moisturizing factors, the two elements she says are responsible for healthy-looking skin.
“This is something I felt my skin needed and wants to drink it up, sometimes more than a lotion or an oil”
“I researched the smallest, most potent actives that were water soluble and stable and came up with a unique product that is neither a bath milk nor a serum but a mix of both,” she says. “There are no oils in the two initial products. They work more as hydrators with brightening and strengthening aspects. It’s basically a daily vitamin applied to your skin with warm water.” She uses Sun Milk Bath daily in the bathtub or as a powder-to-milk serum in the shower or sauna. The result is a new kind of glow that’s worry-free and easy to worship. creaturesoleil.com
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Gwyneth’s Goods
The goop founder shares her Montecito must-haves
The Goop founder shares her Montecito must-haves
The Goop store is at Rosewood Miramar.
All available at goop.com.
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Family Wisdom
Esmé Marshall and daughter Rachel “Ray” Roberts put the “super” in model and mothering as they share memories and advice
Esmé Marshall and daughter Rachel “Ray” Roberts put the “super” in model and mothering as they share memories and advice
Photographs by Sophie Kuller
Esmé: What insights or wisdom of mine do you feel you have most benefited from?
Ray: You taught me that having fun is important, connecting with strangers is soul food, and staying positive is invaluable. And to listen to music and groove whenever you can.
Esmé: Can you share a memorable job or travel experience?
Ray: Shooting the cover of American Vogue together when I was 12 with Annie Leibovitz. Condé Nast flew us—first class, hot fudge sundaes and all—and we traveled with my brother Hayden, who was just a baby at the time.
Esmé: You balance so much and have such deep relationships. How do you do it?
Ray: By staying grounded and saying no to things when I need to, having healthy boundaries. Then putting my relationships first, like my husband and my girlfriends. The sisterhood of motherhood is crucial for my sanity. And my family ties are just sacred. I feel having strong, connected relationships is what keeps us healthy. If you and your family have strong bonds with people you love and trust, everything else falls into place and thrives. Community is my secret.
Esmé: What’s on your bucket list?
Ray: Go deeper into my spirituality. Restore my 1983 Mercedes station wagon to top form. Become a better surfer. Give back and be of service. Start dancing ballet again. And sleep—sleep would be nice.
Ray: What was your favorite part of raising children?
Esmé: Instilling the notion that life comes in sets of waves; always surf with grace.
Ray: What advice do you have for your children when it comes to parenting?
Esmé: Parenting is the toughest job we have. Keep an even keel and always have a good sense of humor. Here’s a favorite T-shirt saying I saw recently: “You can’t scare me, I have two daughters!
Ray: What was the most iconic fashion moment in your career?
Esmé: Meeting Cary Grant after an amazing Ralph Lauren show in Manhattan and him telling me I reminded him of Audrey Hepburn. I have always adored her portrayal of Truman Capote’s Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and felt a deep affinity with the character.
Ray: Is there one incredible outfit you can share from your many shoots or a walk down the runway?
Esmé: Not one look, but I was honored to work in the ateliers of great icons of fashion—Ralph Lauren, Michael Vollbracht, Calvin Klein, Thierry Mugler, Kenzo Takada, Claude Montana, Bill Blass, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Donna Karan, and Perry Ellis, to name a few. Fashion in the ‘80s was just an amazing adventure!
Ray: What are you looking forward to?
Esmé: Future journeys with my four amazing children and filling our buckets with unconditional love and hermit crabs found on beach walks with my grandchildren.
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Maja’s Magic
Like a moth to a flame, Maja Smith has always been drawn to beautiful things. And she’s seen plenty of them all over the world, leading her to become an expert at sourcing unique objects for the home.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Sara Prince
Like a moth to a flame, Maja Smith has always been drawn to beautiful things. And she’s seen plenty of them all over the world, leading her to become an expert at sourcing unique objects for the home. This talent for the hunt ultimately turned into a vocation, and her online store, FOUND BY MAJA, offers a wide variety of exquisite items culled from around the globe. (There’s also a brick-and-mortar location in San Francisco.)
Smith’s first foray into selling her finds occurred after college, when she had a small kiosk (later a store) at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island, selling tabletop items imported from Mexico City. But love intervened, and Smith relocated to New York City to be with her future husband. Marriage and the birth of twins ensued, followed by a move to Japan. “In Tokyo, I was able to continue my love of travel and my appreciation for all things aesthetic, beautiful, and artisanal,” she says. “It definitely helped shape my design appreciation.”
Along the way, Smith’s treasure-hunting habit morphed into an interior design business, as friends and clients encouraged her to bring her finds into their homes and curate their environments. After moving to San Francisco with her family, she began hosting trunk shows at her home. “I couldn’t always find what I was looking for, so I would travel to find gorgeous rugs and beautiful accessories and pieces, and I would always bring back more than I needed for a project,” she says. “So I had this small cache of things.” Thus, Found by Maja was born.
Smith and her family recently purchased a home in Santa Barbara. “Ever since going to school here, I knew I would come back,” she says. “It’s a small cottage, and I’m excited to fill it with all my found things.” And to entertain: “I love to have a dinner party.” To that end, Smith relies on her grandmother’s centuries-old Swedish silver as a starting point, and she “layers” her table with vintage linens from Marché aux Puces in Paris, Terre Mêlée plates, Murano glassware, vases and candlesticks by Davide Fuin, and vintage French coupes. She recommends the same to her customers: “People are excited to have something they can layer on top of their wedding china, alongside their grandmother’s crystal, something handed down. I encourage people to layer their table and to connect all those things.”
Smith still travels as much as ever, averaging four buying trips per year. And she’s purposeful in her acquisitions: “I try to buy as much as possible from women, from small artisans,” she says. “Most of it is handmade, most of it is hand-painted, and most of it is done by women.” foundbymaja.com
Maja's Must-Haves for Entertaining
MY GRANDMOTHERʹS SILVER
MONOGRAMMED LINENS (best found at Marché aux Puces in Paris; look for your initials)
MURANO GLASSWARE
FRESH FLOWERS in different-size vases (French and Italian opaline, ceramic, silver ice buckets)
CAVIAR ON POTATO CHIPS
BAR CART STOCKED WITH FRENCH CHAMPAGNE (serve in vintage French coupes)
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Pure Gold
The beginnings were modest, but the spirit of creativity was there from the start: On the summer solstice in 1974, artist and mime Michael Gonzales got a couple of friends to sashay up State Street in honor of his birthday.
A giant face float makes its way along State Street in the 1986 parade.
Written by Joan Tapper
Photographs by Nell Campbell
Jodi De Marcos designed the first Solstice Parade poster in 1978,
The beginnings were modest, but the spirit of creativity was there from the start: On the summer solstice in 1974, artist and mime Michael Gonzales got a couple of friends to sashay up State Street in honor of his birthday. They ended up at the library lawn, where a few musicians and dancers and some intrigued passersby joined the fun. How that little parade has grown—to 1,000 imaginatively costumed participants, gargantuan puppets, elaborate floats, and plenty of art and music over three days this year, from June 21 to 23. The parade will make its way up Santa Barbara Street at noon on that Saturday, with entries that evoke the theme—Flights of Fancy—while adhering to the rules: no motorized vehicles, no live animals, no signs or logos. In honor of the golden anniversary, the SANTA BARBARA HISTORICAL MUSEUM has opened Here Comes the Sun: Celebrating 50 Years of Solstice (on view until June 28), with evocative photos, masks, banners, oral histories, and five decades of posters inviting everyone to Santa Barbara’s biggest and best party. sbhistorical.org
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Heading South
Explore Ventura’s flourishing surfing, arts, and culinary scenes.
Explore Ventura’s flourishing surfing, arts, and culinary scenes
Main Street serves as the bustling hub of downtown Ventura, home to an eclectic mix of vintage shops, theaters, art galleries, and restaurants.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Jessica Sample
Nestled between Carpinteria and Malibu, Ventura is a laid-back surf town known for its unpretentious vibe and small-town feel. Once a sleepy coastal enclave, it has recently evolved into a vibrant destination with an influx of inviting restaurants, unique boutiques, and artsy neighborhoods that enhance its creative, community-driven spirit.
Frontside Cafe offers a relaxed setting for breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast is a must at FRONTSIDE CAFE, located just a short walk from the beach. Here, husband-and-wife duo Joel and Charne Huff blend the flavors of her native Australia with his deep Ventura County roots. “After our last visit to Australia, we were inspired to bring the Australia café–coffee scene back to California,” says Charne. “We wanted to offer a place where the community could get an upscale coffee and a great breakfast or lunch made with local ingredients.” The chic, minimalist space is bright and airy, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a postsurf coffee and bite. The food menu, although selective, showcases a delightful fusion of Australian and Californian cuisine, including favorites like the Full Aussie Breakfast with eggs, bacon, and smashed potatoes, and the Smashed Avocado Toast, piled high with avocado, pickled veggies, and dukkah. 1070 E. Front St., Ventura, frontsidecafe.com
“Ventura’s cultural appeal is undeniable, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit downtown.”
A short distance away along the coastline, the VENTURA PIER AND PROMENADE provides an excellent spot for taking a leisurely morning stroll and watching surfers. Surfing is ingrained in Ventura’s identity, and the number of surfers in the water on any given day proves the city’s surf culture is alive and well. A great place to catch some of the action is C Street, an area beyond the Ventura Pier at California Street; this spot is known for having one of the highest numbers of surfable days on the West Coast. This popular surf site becomes particularly lively during September’s annual C Street Classic, a celebrated surf-and-skate contest—now in its 38th year—that draws talented up-and-comers as well as water legends. cstreetclassic.com
Nearby, between Surfers’ Point and the Ventura Amtrak Station, the VENTURA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS is a versatile venue for entertainment and cultural festivities throughout the year, and it’s especially bustling during the summer months. From June 28 to 30, the fairgrounds will welcome the X Games (xgames.com), bringing world-class athletes and extreme sports pros to showcase their skills in skateboarding, BMX biking, and Moto X. From July 31 to August 11, the annual Ventura County Fair (venturacountyfair.org) returns, captivating people of all ages with its array of games, carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and rodeo events.
Ventura’s coastal appeal is undeniable, but a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring Main Street downtown. Lined with architectural gems that house everything from vintage shops and eclectic art galleries to chic bars and eateries, this pedestrian-friendly district is a vibrant community hub.
owner Thom Hill
After founding the Ventura-based lifestyle brand Iron & Resin, Thom Hill brought his passion for adventure and well-crafted goods to Main Street with the opening of THE IRON & RESIN GARAGE in 2012. Located in a century-old building with exposed brick and a roll-up garage door, the store offers a collection of goods that reflect Hill’s lifestyle and experiences, including durable outerwear and an eclectic mix of goods, like knives, books, camping gear, and barware. “Iron & Resin is really a mash-up of all the things I’m into,” says Hill. “I believe in owning fewer quality items that last a lifetime, and that’s the philosophy I hope this store embodies.” 324 E. Main St., Ventura, ironandresin.com
Discover thoughtful treasures from local artisans and independent designers at FINDINGS MARKET, a retail destination for women, men, and kids. Inside, you’ll find Ventura’s only candle bar, DUSK, which offers a collection of hand-dipped candles, crystals, handmade jewelry, and fully customizable glass candles that are poured to order. Also downtown is the newly opened FINDINGS FLEA, which is redefining the antique shopping experience. Housed in a 1907 brick building with exposed beams, this modern antique collective showcases unusual wares and vintage finds curated by more than a dozen collectors from along the California coast. Rotating events, vintage markets, and food pop-ups on the large outdoor patio enhance its community-centric essence. 27 S. Oak St., Ventura; 33 S. Palm St., Ventura, findingsmarket.com; @Findingsflea
Rumfish y Vino’s Creole Sea Bass paired with an orange-and-jalapeño margarita.
Not far away, RUMFISH Y VINO provides a delicious respite from the bustle of shopping. After finding success with the original Rumfish y Vino in Belize, in 2016 Pamela and John Solomon opened their second location in downtown Ventura, just off Main Street. “When we opened Rumfish in Belize in 2008, we infused it with a little SoCal flair. This time, we’ve brought a touch of Belize to SoCal,” Pamela says. “We like to say it offers vacation vibes, no passport required.” True to their word, the space exudes a relaxed, carefree atmosphere, and the lunch, dinner, and beverage menus lean heavily into the seafood and tropical themes—think Caribbean fish stew, fish tacos, conch fritters, rum punch, and a best-selling orange-and-jalapeño-infused margarita. 34 N. Palm St., Ventura, rumfishyvinoventura.com
If Korean street food is more your speed for lunch, head across town to MATNA 1631, situated within the Victoria Village Shopping Center. Although it’s new to Ventura’s dining scene, the casual counter-service restaurant has already turned heads for its Korean-style ramen, kimbap, and fried chicken—all made in house. 1435 S. Victoria Ave., Ste. E, Ventura, matna1631.com
Back downtown, a half mile off Main Street, is BELL ARTS FACTORY. Established in 2006, this nonprofit, community-based arts center is a beacon of culture and creativity, providing a supportive space for local and multicultural artists to flourish. In addition to rotating art exhibitions and First Friday art shows, Bell Arts Factory hosts a diverse range of activities, including youth art classes, Aztec dance, artist-led workshops, and yoga classes. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, bellartsfactory.org
Next door, INDOEK seamlessly integrates Ventura’s rich artistic pursuits with its iconic surf culture. This chic gallery showcases coastal-inspired art, books, and other merchandise, along with a curated lineup of programming and events aimed at elevating the traditional aesthetic of the surfing lifestyle. 432 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, indoek.com
After exploring Ventura’s diverse boutiques and galleries, recharge with dinner and drinks downtown. Kick off the evening with happy hour at MODEL CITIZEN. Situated inside a century-old building, the space highlights a casually cool, minimalist design featuring white-oak booths, rose-gold mirrors, and eye-catching curves. “We really wanted Model Citizen to be reminiscent of one’s favorite neighborhood restaurant/bistro in any respective larger city but with a focus on the amazing seasonal produce available, almost literally, in our backyard here in Ventura,” says Derek Ulrich, who co-owns Model Citizen and Prospect Coffee Roasters with his brother, Blake. Although the food menu changes frequently, staple dishes include the Ricotta Fritters—a happy hour hit—and dinner favorites such as the Roasted Rainbow Carrots with labneh, brown butter, and Ojai Pixies, and the Yellowtail Crudo topped with preserved lemon, pistachios, capers, and chiles. 70 S. Oak St., Ventura, modelcitizenvta.com
The interior of Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, the historic building on Main Street.
Italian cocktails are the specialty at BANK OF ITALY COCKTAIL TRUST, from Good Lion Hospitality. Located inside the Bank of Italy building, the venue features a French-Italian Art Deco design that creates a sophisticated ambiance, and the cocktails draw inspiration from the Central Coast and the coastal regions of central and southern Italy. Complementing the diverse beverage list is a food menu of Asian-inspired offerings by Sama Sama Kitchen. “Asian food is not the first thing folks think of in accompanying Italian-style cocktails, but it works surprisingly well,” says Brandon Ristaino, who co-owns the bar with his wife, Misty Orman Ristaino. “The high acid, pleasant bitterness, carbonation, and complexity of the Bank cocktails trade at an equal or contrasting volume to the food offerings.” 394 E. Main St., Ste. A, Ventura, bankofitalycocktails.com
The innovative Ristainos also own STRANGE BEAST next door, a contemporary cocktail Izakaya named after the mythical creatures of Japanese folklore, known as kaiju. “Inspired by the drinking dens of Tokyo,” explains Orman Ristaino, the space features a dark, moody ambiance, offset by pops of color and a striking wall of graphic pop art. The popular late-night spot offers an eclectic menu of punchy cocktails, sake, and shareable small plates like hand rolls and wings, crafted by the culinary team at Sama Sama Kitchen. Later this summer, the couple plan to broaden their creative ventures in Ventura with the debut of JAGUAR MOON, a tequila and mezcal bar developed in collaboration with Chef Ramon Velazquez of Santa Barbara’s Corazon Cocina. 394 E. Main St., Ste. B, Ventura, strangebeastbar.com
Also enhancing Ventura’s late-night scene is THE MAJESTIC VENTURA THEATER, which stands as a prominent fixture in the heart of downtown. Built in the 1920s and featuring the era’s popular Mission-style architecture, this lively concert venue hosts an eclectic lineup of musical performers spanning all genres of music, from punk and reggae to jazz and classic rock. Directly across the street, THE SEWER–SANS SOUCI, a divey cocktail lounge, is an ideal place to unwind with a postshow nightcap, enjoyed alongside more live music or karaoke. 26 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, venturatheater.net; 21 S. Chestnut St., Ventura, @sanssouci_vta
When it’s time to call it a night, the HOTEL SAN BUENA is conveniently located just a short stroll away. This 32-room boutique hotel, originally built in 1928 in a Spanish Revival style, beautifully marries historic charm with modern conveniences, featuring well-appointed rooms and suites and scenic city and ocean views. 11 S. Ash St., Ventura, hotelsanbuena.com
Regardless of how you spend your time in Ventura, no doubt you will leave with a newfound appreciation for its down-to-earth atmosphere, creative authenticity, and community spirit. “The laid-back vibe and hometown feel set Ventura apart from the beach towns south of us,” says Hill.
Adds Orman Ristaino, “Ventura is a really cool place, with vibrancy, diversity, energy, and natural beauty. But most noticeable is that folks here are really passionate about their community. It’s the people that make Ventura so special.”
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Join the Club
Michael Haber, owner of White Caps Beach Club, describes his new venture as a place to eat, play, and stay, where “everyone’s a member.”
A white 1963 Jeep Willy Wagon is the mascot of sorts of the White Caps Beach Club. Naturally, it’s topped off with a Dewey Weber longboard.
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Gray Malin
Michael Haber, owner of WHITE CAPS BEACH CLUB, describes his new venture as a place to eat, play, and stay, where “everyone’s a member.” A native New Yorker who was destined to be a West Coast transplant, Haber made a name for himself as a photographer before getting into the hospitality game by investing in properties in and around Summerland and Carpinteria. The latest is his just-opened beach club, which is located on a half acre next to the Nugget on Lillie Avenue in Summerland.
Anchored by a vintage-trailer-turned-restaurant serving lobster rolls (with fresh seafood from Maine) and other fare, the place has plenty of room for guests to spread out, enjoy a glass of wine or two, play some backgammon, and listen to live music. The terraced hillside hints at opportunities for future amenities like a stage, a movie screen, and a private banquet space. “I wanted to create the same energy I grew up with,” Haber says. “People don’t have to buy a lot; they can just enjoy and hang out, play backgammon, and listen to some Frank Sinatra.”
Legendary surfer and board shaper Renny Yater in the 1960s
The club officially opened in late May, and Haber plans to begin a local membership system with perks like an automatic discount on purchases and monthly special wine tastings.
At the top of the hill, three short-term rentals—named Sail, Surf, and Sand, all of which have ocean views—cap off the project. Each suite has a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchen areas for guests. The middle unit, Surf, includes two queen beds, while Sand’s railroad-style layout accommodates a kitchen, a tiny office, a king bed, an outdoor deck with two seating areas, and an adjoining fire pit. But underneath it all, an East Coast influence is still evident.
“I was one of the first people to shoot and stay at the Surf Lodge in Montauk,” Haber says. “I always said, ‘One day I’d love to emulate that on the West Coast.’ And now I am.” @whitecapsbeachclub
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Côte de Santa Barbara
The award-winning illustrator and graphic designer created the opener to this issue’s features section.
Peter Horjus, Côte de Santa Barbara, mixed media.
Peter Horjus
The award-winning illustrator and graphic designer who created the opener to this issue’s features section has merged his illustration and design work into large-scale paintings that combine his love for simple imagery, unique texture, and a nod to his favorite era—the 1940s. His clients include Saks Fifth Avenue, the US Open, Coca-Cola, Herman Miller, SC Johnson, and The New York Times. peterhorjus.com @peterhorjusart
SB MUST DOS
Running along the beautiful beaches like Butterfly and Hendry’s
Sketching ideas early in the morning at Handlebar Coffee at the marina
Trying out delicious appetizers at The Honor Bar.
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Casino Royale
The Coral is back—and it’s brighter and better than ever.
The Coral is back—and it’s brighter and better than ever
Photographer Gray Malin takes his poolside POV above deck.
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photographs by Gray Malin, David Mendoza III
CORAL CASINO in Montecito is back after a four-year hiatus. During its pandemic-induced closure, owner Ty Warner put considerable thought and $108 million into renovations. Designed in 1937 by Gardner Dailey of San Francisco, the Moderne–Art Deco private club was a magnet for Hollywood stars, filmmakers, musicians, and authors. For decades, members lounged on its sandy “beach” or jumped from the high dive (both gone), and the scenic social hot spot hosted murder-mystery parties, fashion shows, and, of course, photo shoots.
“The historic Olympic Pool within the surf setting is a defining element of the club.”
The property has long been a favorite for photographers like Hal Boucher, who captured numerous celebrities there. He passed in 2020, and lifestyle photographer Gray Malin arguably stepped in as house photographer, first in 2017 when he shot synchronized swimmers and vintage balloons, and again this spring with a new breed of models: dogs, flamingos, and giraffes.
“It felt surreal to reenter such a special place after so many seasons have passed,” Malin says. “Few places in the world are as timeless as the Coral Casino. Whether it’s 1937 or 2024, a photograph in front of the clock tower—with Butterfly Beach in the background—is as ageless as ever.”
The photogenic striped awnings and iconic cabanas are still here (just crisper and costlier), and every corner of the club has been similarly upgraded. Architects Peter Marino and Barry Winick streamlined the landmark’s glamour.
“The historic Olympic Pool within the serene surf setting is a defining element of the club. We focused on elevating it with luxurious amenities, starting with the glass ocean-edge spa, the Coral Cafe, the enlarged Fins Surf Bar, and the whimsical improvements to the cabanas,” Winick says.
Pups plunge in the Olympic pool.
Upgrades include an oceanfront cold plunge; California’s largest glass spa, with seating for up to 25 and custom jets and lights; and the “Sandbox,” with 16 chaises sunk into sand imported from Malibu. Fitness stars Or Kahlon and Peter Park offer sculpting and training, respectively, and culinary legend Thomas Keller will soon be taking over the Tydes restaurant. For Warner, who has owned the property since 2000, it’s all in an effort to position the club to be the best. “What is unchangeable through modernizations is the club culture,” he says. “The casino is a time capsule of both social and architectural history, a place anyone would feel lucky to set foot in, and that will never change.” 1281 Channel Dr., Santa Barbara, coralcasinobeachclub.com
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Divine Dining
For many Ojai residents, the parlor game of assembling a fantasy dinner party would likely include the irrepressible local ceramicist Beatrice Wood, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 105.
Beato Home features five pieces in a textured neutral white, meticulously crafted by Creative Fire Studio in Granada Hills.
For many Ojai residents, the parlor game of assembling a fantasy dinner party would likely include the irrepressible local ceramicist Beatrice Wood, who passed away in 1998 at the age of 105. Now fans of the iconoclastic multidisciplinary artist, known affectionately as “Beato,” can enjoy an homage to her legacy on their own dinner tables with BEATO HOME. “People just went crazy for it,” recalls Heather Stobo about the original dinnerware set crafted by Wood during the 1960s. The pieces were included in an exhibition she and Lisa Casoni curated at the Porch Gallery, the couple’s art-focused Ojai gathering place, which they closed last year. Finding a way to make Wood’s functional tabletop pieces more accessible to a contemporary audience was a logical next step, especially given their partnership with the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts through Beato Chocolates, the artisanal candy line Casoni and Stobo launched in 2018. Beato Home features five pieces in a textured neutral white, meticulously crafted by Creative Fire Studio in Granada Hills. The collection, which is faithful to Wood’s original clay type, colors, and glazes, is available online and at select retailers, including Field + Fort in Summerland. Beato Home is an impassioned tribute to a one-of-a-kind spirit whose “greatest work of art was her life,” Casoni says. “She’s our North Star in the chocolate business and this dinnerware business.” beatohome.com
Global Goods
These chic shops and markets carry everything you need for a well-curated home and kitchen.
These chic shops and markets carry everything you need
for a well-curated home and kitchen
Downtown Santa Barbara’s The Eddy reinvents the corner store experience, serving as a one-stop shop for convenience items and gourmet goods.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photographs by Blake Bronstad
Since debuting last year, THE EDDY has woven itself into the fabric of downtown Santa Barbara. Offering a well-chosen selection of elevated essentials and gourmet delights, along with engaging events and workshops, this modern corner store has redefined the idea of convenience. “We envisioned The Eddy as a hub, constantly adapting to the evolving wants and needs of our community,” says co-owner Alex Suhadolnik. “Our approach is very much community led, so we regularly incorporate customer recommendations, but we also hope to instill a sense of discovery.”
Here you’ll find a diverse mix of everyday necessities and unexpected goods, from tinned fish and artisanal candy bars to Rancho Gordo beans and nonalcoholic refreshments, along with grab-and-go items from local favorites like Merci and Riviera Bread. 137 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, shoptheeddy.com
“Every corner of the world is brimming with inspiration, which is why I regularly travel to various global markets in search of unique finds”
Effortless elegance is the theme at UPSTAIRS AT PIERRE LAFOND, the esteemed Montecito lifestyle boutique that has delighted locals and visitors alike for decades. An ever-evolving collection of stylish far-flung treasures and locally made gifts ranges from luxurious bedding and rugs to art, tabletop essentials, and children’s toys—each thoughtfully selected to celebrate the joys of artful living. “Every corner of the world is brimming with inspiration, which is why I regularly travel to various global markets in search of unique finds,” says buyer Emily DaFoe. “Our customers can always count on discovering something special and one-of-a-kind, whether for their own homes or for memorable gifts.” 516 San Ysidro Rd., Santa Barbara, shopupstairs.com
Bringing a touch of la dolce vita to the heart of Montecito is MONTESANO MARKET & DELI, a haven of Italian imports and local goods for the table and pantry. Besides the impressive selection of olive oils, jarred olives, authentic sauces, and gourmet pastas—each highlighting Italy’s rich culinary heritage—you’ll find table linens, wine, bespoke tote bags, and artisanal toffee. Also on hand are imported sausages, crackers, and cheeses—perfect for impromptu picnics at the beach. 1150 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, montesanomarket.com
Stylish kitchenware at Field + Fort.
“The vision at Field + Fort was to create a space where people enjoy delicious food and find inspiration.”
One need not be an interior designer to appreciate Summerland’s FIELD + FORT, a distinctive home-and-garden store that epitomizes refinement. “The owners’ vision was to create a space where people can gather, enjoy delicious food and coffee, and find inspiration in our carefully curated home goods—essentials for elevating living,” says general manager Paul Burns. Notably, Field + Fort is stocked with unique design accessories and products synonymous with quality and style, including items such as Sheldon ceramic dinnerware, Sferra towels, and Flamingo Estate bath products. The store’s pantry section offers gourmet foods like pasta sauces, balsamic vinegars, and olive oils, all destined to become kitchen staples. 2580 Lillie Ave., Summerland, fieldandfort.com
Little Dom’s housemade tomato sauce and pickled vegetables.
Following the success of its original Los Angeles location, Little Dom’s Seafood cast its culinary net to Carpinteria in 2020. Since then executive chef Brandon Boudet has enticed visitors with his delectable seafood and Italian dishes, infused with Southern flair as a nod to his Louisiana roots. This spring the coastal eatery is expanding with the debut of LITTLE DOM’S DELI & WINE SHOP. You’ll be able to pick up some of Chef Boudet’s signature creations, including his renowned tomato sauces and pickled vegetables. Additionally, the space will carry a range of house-made seasonal goods—think preserved lemons and fruit jams—as well as grab-and-go items like prepared salads and frozen meatballs. 686 Linden Ave., Carpinteria, ldseafood.com
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Fresh Stock
Caroline Diani opened her first shop 22 years ago.
“I buy what I like to wear and have in my home, yet I’m constantly thinking of specific customers, especially those who’ve been with us over the years”
Caroline Diani
Written by Jennifer Blaise Kramer
Photograph by Meg Sandu Photo
Caroline Diani opened her first shop 22 years ago. With a background in retail and an education in fashion, she melded her skills to open a business that’s been a Santa Barbara fixture for more than two decades. The world of DIANI includes three storefronts—clothing, home, shoes—in Arlington Plaza, creating a lifestyle hub for countless locals. Being that go-to shop around the corner is both what keeps the doors open and what guides Caroline on what to stock. “I buy what I like to wear and have in my home, yet I’m constantly thinking of specific customers, especially those who’ve been with us over the years,” she says. “None of us are driven by trends; we like quality and understated style.” Caroline’s spring edit (her blog and newsletter are a must!) sports pops of color that appear in nature. For home she stocks her favorite cookbooks, serving bowls, and textiles, and she has been busy building her own home decor brand, The Stone Jug. Inspiration, it seems, is everywhere she turns. “I’m always looking for new lines for the stores, and traveling helps me find hidden gems,” she says. “My eyes and ears are always open.” 1324 State St., Santa Barbara, dianiboutique.com
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Ahoy, Mate
Ten-year-old Mate Gallery, located in Montecito’s Country Mart, is home to all things nautical—from clothing and vintage accessories to home furnishings.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photographs by Matt Albiani
Owners Matt Albiani (left) and Ron Brand
Ten-year-old MATE GALLERY, located in Montecito’s Country Mart (the retail compound and de facto community center of Montecito), is home to all things nautical—from clothing and vintage accessories to home furnishings. Conceived and owned by Matt Albiani and Ron Brand, the shop was—according to Albiani—designed “to bring a bit of East Coast vibe to California,” and they have achieved that goal; the place is a style source for transplants and natives alike. Country Mart owner Jim Rosenfield recently enabled Brand and Albiani to triple Mate Gallery’s footprint, providing room for more bounty, including vintage furniture and fixtures. “Jim’s been very supportive of us and is a really good guy,” Brand says.
Albiani, a fashion photographer and Boston native, resides primarily in New York; Brand, a real estate agent, immigrated to Santa Barbara from Dundee, Scotland, in 1991. Together they cull and curate unique items that embody the Mate Gallery aesthetic. The pair also own a stylish getaway—dubbed “Sea Roost”—in Montauk, New York, that was recently featured on Magnolia Network’s Beach Cottage Chronicles and is available for rent on Searoost.com. “If you lived in Mate Gallery, it would be Sea Roost,” says Brand. 1024 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-895-6283, mategallery.com
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Desert Gem
Aman Resorts are known for boutique properties that epitomize remote splendor, and perhaps nothing in their portfolio fulfills that promise better than Amangiri.
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Robert Rieger
Aman Resorts are known for boutique properties that epitomize remote splendor, and perhaps nothing in their portfolio fulfills that promise better than AMANGIRI. This isolated sanctuary in southern Utah, whose name means “peaceful mountain” in Sanskrit, draws much of its grandeur from a minimalist design set against the stunning backdrop of the stark Canyon Point desert. But it isn’t just sweeping views of the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument or the property’s incorporation of the culture of the nearby Navajo Nation that has elevated Amangiri into one of the world’s must-visit hotels.
Since opening in 2009, the 34-suite property has become synonymous with ultra-luxe hospitality and wellness—and a hot spot for celebrity guests who share their experiences on social media, cultivating a sense of exclusivity and prestige that has served the hotel well. In 2020 the hotel expanded with Camp Sarika, an enclave of 10 tented pavilions. That expansion dovetailed with concerns related to the pandemic, which spiked an interest in this distant, mostly outdoor getaway.
One of the selling points of Amangiri, then and now, is the way each room is oriented toward a view of the desert, bringing the outdoors in. The elegance of the decor—concrete, light wood, and earth tones—against the landscape enhances the serenity. Holistic wellness programming also adds to that: Carefully formulated offerings integrate many natural elements into the experience. For example, there’s yoga on the rocks, thermal therapy with saunas and cold plunge pools in the 25,000-square-foot spa, aqua shiatsu, and ai chi, a 4,000-year-old therapy derived from tai chi and qigong that seeks to optimize the flow of chi. If there were ever a place where your energy could unspool, untangle, and flow freely, it’s here. 1 Kayenta Rd., Canyon Point, Utah, 435-675-3999, aman.com
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Charming Chatelaine
The concept behind the newly expanded DOMECÍL boutique on State Street is to showcase unique and handmade items for the home.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photography by Sara Prince
The concept behind the newly expanded DOMECÍL boutique on State Street is to showcase unique and handmade items for the home. Owner Stephanie Payne Campbell—a Santa Barbara native with a French soul and a sparkling personality—has an instinctive knack for sourcing items that are simultaneously utilitarian and indescribably beautiful: baskets and textiles from far-flung locations (Africa, Chile, Indonesia, Japan), locally made ceramics, linens and clothing (often of her own design), hard-to-find design books, cookbooks, jewelry, and more.
Homes also need art, and breathtaking nature photographs by co-creators Joslyn Lawrence and Brian Kuhlmann grace the shop’s gallery-like walls. And where else can you attend a love-letter workshop taught by local typewriter poet Simon Kiefer? Japanese and French stationery are available if you need something to write on.
It takes a truly sophisticated eye to convene and display these myriad treasures in a coherent manner, but Payne Campbell does so effortlessly and with enthusiasm. “It’s passion that’s gotten me this far,” she says with a smile. 1223 State St., Santa Barbara, 805-324-4971, domecil.com
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Artist’s Retreat
Although it’s only a five-minute drive from Paso Robles’ town square, Steve Werndorf’s mystical micro hotel, INN PARADISO, feels like a world unto itself.
Written by Caitlin White
Although it’s only a five-minute drive from Paso Robles’ town square, Steve Werndorf’s mystical
micro hotel, INN PARADISO, feels like a world unto itself. Venture behind the gates and unlock one of three private luxury suites in the ‘70s-inspired lodge, where exposed wooden beams and a fireplace anchor the central room. Elsewhere, two more private loft suites adjoin a living area and kitchen for the owner, who may make you a cappuccino and explain that most of the art that adorns the property is from his personal collection. An artist and former movie poster designer, Werndorf has imbued the property with a mix of rustic charm and whimsy. His dressed-down Artist Studio is another suite available for booking. A pool and a greenhouse-style lounge, plus lawns surrounded by rare fruit trees, round out the 3.5-acre slice of paradise. 975 Mohave Lane, Paso Robles, 805-275-2706, innparadiso.com
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Clay Masters
DUO LUTO is both a store and a brand conceived by Ojai ceramic artists Fanny Penny and Nicholas Ali.
The boutique reflects its owners’ signature creative style.
Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter
Photography by Stephanie Helguera
DUO LUTO is both a store and a brand conceived by Ojai ceramic artists Fanny Penny and Nicholas Ali. Roughly translated from Latin, duo luto means “mud duo,” an apt moniker for this creative couple who are part of a new generation of the town’s historic clay masters, including, famously, Beatrice “Beato” Wood and her friends Vivika and Otto Heino.
Growing up in Ojai, Penny frequented Duo Luto’s building, which formerly housed a baseball-card and comic-book store. “I remember telling my mom, ‘I want to have a shop someday and make things beautiful and present them to people,’” she says. “I always imagined that this would be my shop.”
Penny and Ali met in 2006; they married seven years later—at Ojai’s Rancho Inn—and have two daughters, Sadie and Gita. Ali hails from Torrance, California, where he did photography and painting and worked with wood and glass. But he never attempted clay until 2014, when he attended a ceramics workshop with Penny. “It clicked for me right away,” he says. “I was, like, this is my material. Why did I never try this?”
Penny’s clay journey began after Sadie was born. Itching to try something new, she began making ceramic necklaces strung on cords she made herself. These were sold at the now-shuttered Modern Folk boutique in Ojai, where Penny was working. “All of a sudden people who were retailers wanted to buy them,” she says. That included a large order from Urban Outfitters, which prompted the purchase of her first kiln, serendipitously once owned by Otto Heine.
Penny’s sought-after necklaces were followed by her outsize ceramic chains and, most recently, by her large-scale rope and ceramic wall hangings. Ali, who has become an expert on the potter’s wheel, makes exquisite, streamlined cups and vessels, among other items. Currently the pair have a thriving wholesale business with retailers nationwide and also take commissions for new pieces.
Their retail space has profoundly affected their clay practice. As Ali notes, “It informs the work when somebody picks it up and says, ‘Oh, this reminds me of something.’ It helps move that whole process through, because on a regular basis we’re talking about the work we’re doing.”Adds Penny, “It’s such a nice affirmation to have the community be excited to see what we’re doing. We’ve had a few locals come in and say, ‘This is the best iteration of this space so far.’ That feels nice.” 910 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, @Duo_Luto